Heels On The Field: A Baseball Blog

'The Wax Pack' Is A Journey Into The Soul Of Baseball And Confronting Fear

Brad Balukjian's Debut "The Wax Pack" Takes Readers On A Soulful Journey Via A Pack of Baseball Cards, And A Road Trip Seeking Out The Men Behind The Stats

Philadelphia, PA-- Brad Balukjian wanted answers.

As a biology teacher, he's accustomed to helping to answer many questions every day. But beyond science, he wanted to understand more about himself. He wanted to understand more about the people he’d known as a kid. Not his neighbors, but baseball players. And particularly those who were not exactly in the limelight anymore, or, perhaps, never quite were in the white hot spotlight, even when they played in the major leagues.

The entire project began with a few scribbled questions in his scorebook. One of which was, "What can I learn from them about what lies ahead for me?" That question led to others, and then, to a plan. The final project, "The Wax Pack: On The Road In Search Of Baseball's Afterlife,: isn’t just a book about baseball or players; it’s not just a record of history: it’s biographical, yes, but there’s a deeper intimacy that permeates the stories--both Balukjian’s and the players--and how they’re told.

“Some of it developed as I wrote. I didn’t know I was going to write about OCD, or relationships," said Balukjian by telephone in late spring. "But I ended up writing about connections and fear. I knew I’d be a character in the book but I didn’t know to what degree.”

Tonally, there’s a mixed bag in his repertoire: humor, heavier elements recalling personal failures and loss, there are tales of wild times, settling down, and, ultimately, family. :

“I’m glad you picked up on that. Thank you. That was my intention. Some of the stories were just going to be funny, others were going to be very sad and serious,” he said.

Balukjian grew up obsessed with underdogs, feeling like one himself, he talks about the feeling of standing alone in a corner, or a favorte train track at the local station, simply beause it was underused.

Baseball underdogs and "benchwarmers" were also a favorite as his passion for baseball deepened throughout his childhood. He attended "countless ball games as a kid," he writes, and it was his dad to taught him how to wrap tin foil around the antenna of his transistor radio in order to hear Philadelphia Phillies games. 

The book is as much about fathers and sons, as it is about the experience of baseball, and personal struggles. The real romance here, is about a boy and his dad, bonding through the love of the game. A passion passed down, and nurtured simply by sitting and gazing ahead at a field and an unfolding contest. 

He bridges that kind of experience to players he talks to on the trip. One of those players Lee Mazzilli, a former New York Mets first round pick, who played part of his thirteen year career in the outfield for the Mets, as well as the Yankees and Texas Rangers. When his son, Lee Jr., known as L.J., was drafted out of the University of Connecticut, the former Husky was greeted with fanfare by Mets media, personnel and fans. Following in his father's footsteps, a story that fits so snuggly into this collection, young Mazzilli had some pressure on him to be part of a story bigger than himself. But while covering him when he played for the Short Season Mets affiliate, the Brooklyn Cyclones, he never seemed wrapped up in that; perhaps on guard is a better way to describe his demeanor. The night of the MLB Draft, he could've immediately been pulled into the media lights. But instead of agreeing to talk, he quickly informed me that it wasn't quite time for that. 

"Yeah, I just want to be with my parents right now," he said. That personal story didn't surprise Balukjian. 

"With them, it's all about family," he said, recalling the unassuming warmth and welcome mat he received upon talking with Mazzilli matriarch Dani."She treats you like an old friend. It's a wonderful family life to witness."

During that portion of the trip, Balujkian's father was able to join his son's adventure. It was an important moment for him to connect his relationship with baseball, his dad and his mission. 

"The timing was perfect to bring those stories together. [Him being there], and talking with Lee, showed the bonds between father and sons, through baseball," Balukjian said. 

While the author intimates that the book is largely about fathers and sons, he recently clarified on his Twitter account that his relationship with his mother, and her support of his love for baseball, particularly collecting hard to find cards, was a big part of his childhood; calling her “supportive and loving;” he remembers her being open to a drive to search for something he pined for.

“I would make lists of all the “common cards” that I wanted to collect. This is all pre-internet, so getting those cards meant going to baseball card shops or the houses of private collectors with my lists of players no one wanted, and it was my mom who would drive me to all these places because she saw how passionate I was, and how much joy it brought me. She is one of my heroes,” he said. In the book, he also thanks for not throwing out the collection, keeping them stored safely in her condo. 

As he prepared to release the passion project, one that had been rejected 37 times before Nebraska Press gave it the green light, a dark cloud moved in. At first, our safety didn't seem threatened, but worry grew quickly: what would become of this thing called “COVID-19?” We never imagined the weeks ahead. How life would become unrecognizable; our worries were transformed to something often seen in movies (PANIC), Leisure and the day-to-day humdrum would suddenly be thwarted, shaped into a new and strained normal. For authors with promotional book tours, well, that wasn’t going to happen. From that vacant space, a special club was borne of the need to amplify their work, and not see threir long-developed projects fall through the cracks.

“The Pandemic Baseball Book Club started when several of us with books affected by the pandemic, began promoting each other’s works on Twitter, and discussing how we might help each other,” he said. “It’s grown to a group of twenty-three writers with a podcast, swag, a blog, and much more. Although I haven’t met most of the members in person, I feel like they’ve been friends for years. It’s been touching to see how everyone has worked to help each other.”

The club includes Anika Orrock (“I’ve known her for years”), Emily Nemens, D.B. Firstman, Joan Ryan, Ralph Carhart, and Kat Williams.

His plans for a future project will likely focus on his vocation, something scientific (one could argue that he could write a scientific book about baseball!), but, according to Balukjian, there will be no sequel to something he feels turned out so perfectly, all the pieces, the stories, the characters, Balukjian included, found their way to one another in a fateful, fascinating way.

Perhaps he found some of the answers he was looking for.

Follow Brad Balukjian on Twitter @waxpackbook

MiLB Watch: What's Next in the Fight for a Fair Wage? Garrett Broshius Answers

MiLB Watch will be a recurring feature on HOTF, running short interviews and stories, as well as servivng as a round-up of five current stoies of interest. While HOTF was once a MiLB-only platform, the re-launch has expanded the focus. MiLB will continue to be a leading issue covered here. I hope MiLB Watch is informative and entertaining to baseball fans.~ Jessica Quiroli, Editor/Founder HOTF

Garrett Broshius Continues His Longtime Fight To Get A Fair Wage For Minor Leaguers

Broshius has been minor league players biggest champion for many years. He's a former player, so he knows exactly what that life is like. But when he became a lawyer, he made minor league pay a focal point in his legal career. His fight is personal. And in light of recent positive developments, he's in it for the long haul. Here's what he had to say over the weekend.

HOTF: When you began this work so many years ago, did you view this as a "political" issue? One that needed attention as a working class issue, not just in the realm of baseball?

GB: When I was still playing many years ago, I didn’t view it as a political issue—just an issue of basic fairness. We spent all these hours working at the field, doing whatever we were told, and yet some of my teammates could barely afford to eat. It never seemed right. Why in Double-A, while just two steps from the big leagues, were players being paid $7,500 for an entire year of work?

As the years went by, though, I did start to see it through the lens of a larger trend in our society. We’re in a new Gilded Age, with disparities in wealth reaching record levels, and with the divide between haves and have nots growing every day. Baseball is a microcosm of that trend. Since MLB players achieved free agency in 1976, MLB salaries have risen by over 3000%. MLB revenue growth has grown even more quickly. And yet minor league salaries have hardly budged over that time. That’s not to say that minor league players should be compensated like major league players—of course they shouldn’t be. But is minimum wage too much to ask for? Is $15,000 for an entire year of work too much? Indeed, the average minor leaguer has far less purchasing power today than in 1976. The batboy often makes more per hour than the minor league players.

And now MLB’s proposal to shutter 42 minor league teams has delivered it fully into the political arena. I only hope that politicians realize that not only do we need to protect these teams, but we also need to protect these players and ensure that they make above-poverty-level wages. We can do better, and we must do better if we want our national pastime to thrive in future generations.

HOTF: During the long process, what conversations have stood out to you with players you've talked to or who are in the lawsuit. I'm in no way asking for names. Just things that have impacted you or reminded you why this is so important. 

The magnitude of the problem is really astounding because it’s system-wide. With MLB enjoying an antitrust exemption that allows the MLB teams to collude on minor league salaries, and with no minor league union to push back against these collusive efforts, salaries have been suppressed far below the market value. The result is across-the-board hardships. Players cramming six guys into two-bedroom apartments, sleeping on air mattresses. A player who couldn’t afford a plane ticket for his young son to come out and see him. A player who would skip meals to save money; the first thing he would eat would be a peanut butter and jelly sandwich at the field. Those are the guys we’re trying to help out.

HOTF: The proposal to eliminate 42 MiLB teams has stunned & frustrated many people. How will players, particularly new draftees, suffer without more opportunities to play? Do you believe MLB will execute the plan?

Fewer teams means fewer minor league teams, which means fewer minor league players. There are so many examples of players drafted beyond the 20^th round making it to the big leagues. So I hope it doesn’t come to fruition. Obviously I would love to see higher minor league salaries—that’s what we’re fighting for. I’d also love to see some playing surfaces bettered and some clubhouses upgraded. And some of the leagues are, without a doubt, too spread out and it causes travel headaches (and backaches). Those are real problems that MLB is complaining about. But I hope the folks negotiating the PBA can address those problems without cutting teams. There’s a lot of time left before the current PBA expires, so I’m cautiously optimistic.

HOTF: Finally, what's the next step in the lawsuit? How much progress are you making? 

We won our appeal in the Ninth Circuit in August, which allows the case to remain a class action. MLB has indicated that it intends to ask the Supreme Court to take the case, which is what is currently preventing us from getting back to the trial court. We’re doing some things to try to get back to the trial court as quickly as possible because we’re ready to get moving again. And there are a lot of minor leaguers going to spring training soon—where they’ll work without pay for an entire month—who are anxious to see us get moving again. So we’ve already completed a lot of the work and are making progress, but we have a lot more to do.

Thunder Manager Bobby Mitchell’s Stable of Talent in Trenton

Trenton, NJ—Things are exciting, as they usually are, in Trenton, the Double-A affiliate of the New York Yankees. There’s a mix of top ranked talent showing they’re developing at a fine pace. And then there’s guys who might not be as well-known or as hyped, but are coming through in the early spring of the 2017 season. 

Before a game against the New Hampshire Fisher Cats (Blue Jays), Thunder manager Bobby Mitchell had some thoughts on a few guys doing a solid job for the club, and advancing their development as hoped. 

The news that day was about top prospect Gleyber Torres, who was out with a sore arm, though he’d not been officially placed on the DL yet. The Yankees caution, mixed with arm soreness was what the concern boiled down to for the YOUNG (20!) player. He was placed on the 7-day DL and is expected to make his return shortly. Mitchell recalled his own playing days and said, well, sometimes your arm strength just gets, “Zapped.”

On the mound that night was top pitching prospect Justus Sheffield, making his second start of the season. Mitchell was high on him, as are the Yankees, and the enthusiasm about his potential was clear.

“Shef is dynamic. He’s one of the most competitive players that we have,” Mitchell said. “He’s got really good stuff. He’s fun to watch.”

Big on the list of what’s fun to watch, for anyone not facing him that is, is his command of mix of pitches. The hard-throwing lefty was set to go 7 innings and throw 94 pitches. He went 6 innings, and gave up one run on 3 hits to earn the win. He also got a little more leeway, throwing 97 pitches, 57 of them for strikes, outdoing top Blue Jays pitching prospect Sean Reid-Foley who lasted 3 innings, though he only allowed 2 hits and did not surrender a run. 

“We expect big things out of [Sheffield], and he expects big things out of himself.”

At the other end of the field, the bullpen has been a showcase for one guy repeating the level, big righty Cale Coshow.

Back in his New York Penn League days, Coshow was a starter and heavier. He credited his off-season weight loss after that season as highly beneficial to his health and his comfort on the mound. He could be wild back then, with less effectiveness but big power in the arm, and a willingness to challenge hitters. He just needed to polish the rough edges. This year, he’s finding his groove by finding his confidence. Mitchell says Coshow’s confidence “is growing” as he works his way through good and bad moments. 

After notching his third save of the season (he recently earned his 5th), Mitchell observed that there’s been changes in his mentality that led to the better performance. 

“He had a bad first outing and he came in and struggled and it was somewhat similar to what we saw last year. Where his confidence and command were…where he started relying on his secondary stuff too much. 

For a guy that throws 95-100, there’s no need to mix in off-speed stuff, not if he’s confident enough in his fastball. The key is commanding the heater, Mitchell said. 

“When he does, he’s effective. When he’s not commanding his fastball, he’s up in the zone and sometimes they catch up with his fastball. And then he mixes in a cutter-slider that he’s working on. The one pitch he got burned on in his first outing was a hanging slider. He’s a got that’s got that closer stuff. We just need him to stay in that role.”

Where that leads him with the Yankees is hard to figure, perhaps in short relief. What was clear from his outing the night before was that he did something he needed to (earned the save) by staying the course mentally and not reverting to bad habits (throwing up in the zone). He worked with a one-run lead and showed his grace under pressure. 

“That confidence he’s building is huge. Mentally is the biggest thing for him. He’s got the stuff; it’s just a matter of believing in his stuff,” Mitchell said. 

The strong lineup also features left fielder Zach Zehner, whom falls among players that might not be getting the attention they’ve earned. The spotlight tends to favor those receiving the most hype overall, but, also those who seem the closest to having an impact on the big club. The 2015 18th round pick for the Yankees spent 2016 in High-A Tampa, and, understandably is making some adjustments to the high level jump to Double-A. 

Mitchell had seen “Z,” as he called him in the spring, down in Tampa, Florida, the Spring Training home of the Yankees, and liked what he saw. Now he’s getting a better look at not just the player, but the person.

“His work habits stand out a lot. He works hard at everything he does. He’s very energetic. And he’s really come on strong with the bat for us. He needs to make adjustments. And he just has a very good attitude,” Mitchell said. 

Bobby Mitchell’s club this year is already showing up big: they’re 2nd in the league (Eastern Div.), just behind the Portland Sea Dogs (Red Sox), with a 10-7 record. 

You can read my continued coverage of the Trenton Thunder in the bi-weekly column ‘Stars, Heels and Stripes’ on Pinstriped Pros. And look here for ongoing coverage of the Eastern League throughout the 2017 season. 

Mark Appel Trade Proves He’s Human, Not a Bust

When Mark Appel decided not to sign with the Pittsburgh Pirates, the verbal attacks were swift.

There were accusations that he was selfish, greedy, arrogant, and presumptuous. Appel’s decision not to sign meant he returned to Stanford University to complete his education. And he was motivated, in part, by hope that he’d be drafted by his hometown and favorite team, the Houston Astros.

If you’re waiting for the part that illustrates what a jerk he was, I’m sorry but that’s all.

Appel spoke to this blog, in his senior year at Stanford, about the emotions of the draft and his local connection. http://highheelsonthefield.typepad.com/my_weblog/2011/03/call-of-college-it-was-not-too-difficult-of-a-decision-especially-since-they-did-not-offer-any-money-in-the-end-they-draft.html

Many people, however, did respect and understand Appel’s decision. And why not? If you had the opportunity to complete a Stanford education and continue your job for another year, to increase your chances of being picked by the company of your dreams, wouldn’t you do it? [Note: He was previously selected by the Detroit Tigers in 2009, in the 15th round]

The most disappointing aspect was that Appel’s faith-based approach was ridiculed, and that narrative repeated this weekend. Appel, the #1 overall draft pick by his childhood team in 2013, was traded to the re-building Philadelphia Phillies as part of a package-deal trade and his name trended on Twitter for two days. Also disappointing were the snarky remarks about his spirituality, and his value.

It’s a fairly distant memory now, but when righty Appel was finally off the draft board, a huge baseball narrative ended. The new one was, of course, whether he'd live up to the hype surrounding the First Team All-American out of Stanford. A big school, big star, Appel entered the draft for the final time, and mass attention focused on the kid that wanted nothing more than to play for the Astros.

His time was brief in Short-Season New York Penn League with the Tri-City Valley Cats; he made just two starts before being promoted to Class-A Midwest League. He is 16-11 in 53 starts, with a 5.12 ERA combined in his two-year minor league career. He finished 2015 with the Triple-A Fresno Grizzlies with a 4.12 ERA in 12 starts, and was selected to the popular All-Star Futures Game.
As time’s unfolded, and he wasn’t advancing at the speed the Astros and their fans expected, Appel’s star-glow diminished. He underwent an appendectomy in January of 2014, adding more concern about his anticipated major league arrival. Still, when the trade to the Phillies was announced, there were definite shock waves. Within hours of the announcement, Appel made a statement that seemed to imply the situation in Houston:

“I’m looking forward to being in an organization that wants me for who I am, not for the expectation of what a former No. 1 pick is, not for any of the peripherals other than who I am as a baseball player, as a pitcher, as a person, as a teammate in the clubhouse and away from the field.”

Perhaps the Astros dream was like a first love, when fantasy turns to reality, and you have to admit forever was a longshot. Appel seemed to let go of that fantasy, and embraced a new beginning. He was making clear that all hadn’t gone well, but he wouldn’t bash his ex. He also, obviously, had plenty of great memories and experiences to cherish. He later tweeted:

“So many emotions…Thanks to Houston. F.O. staff, fans, and most of all my teammates. Love you guys! So excited for Philly! God is so good.”

Appel ‘s name made the rounds fast and the debates were endless. The opinions that stood out from the pack, however, were about him failing expectations. Many laughed off the trade, as if the Phillies had just inherited the ‘Poltergeist’ house.

Is it possible to take a breath, and admit we too are guilty of fantasizing?

Our expectations of what a first-rounder should do in a two-year developmental period should be checked at the door, before we enter the baseball world. What’s true is that, yes, he hasn’t, in a business sense, been a success in the context of the $6.35 million bonus he received. What’s truer is that he’s human; and in that sense, Appel’s done exactly what humans do. To suggest his career is a gigantic disappointment is really thinking from a money standpoint. And if you’re a baseball fan, is that all there is? The billionaire business of MLB wants a polished product on the field to sell tickets. But as fans, you have a purer love of the game. You know the game. It looks easy, and it ain’t.

We in the media must also not re-write the same ‘Is he a bust’? story too many times. Because we all know how this works, behind the scenes, day to day. We witness the process, both on a physical and emotional level. A first-round talent with a childhood dream is still vulnerable to that process.

Appel ‘s statements on social media suggest a guy who knows he let people down, but also that he can’t be held to an unfair standard. His words also suggest he’s ready for a new challenge in a new season, with a team he’d never dreamed of playing for, but has excitedly embraced. He’s showing he has a well-rounded, open-minded attitude and commitment to his career and teammates.

At 24-years old, we don’t know what Mark Appel will be going forward. But his story is far from over. In order to see that, and enjoy the ride, we have to release all expectations.

Arizona Fall League: Checking in with Yankees Dustin Fowler

During his 2015 stint with the High-A Tampa Yankees, Dustin Fowler showcased the mix of skills he's continuing to polish in the Arizona Fall League.

Fowler actually split his time between Class-A Charleston and Tampa, finishing the season going .298/.334/.394, with 70 RBI and 5 HR's. Of his 145 hits, 66 of them were with Tampa.

Fowler's tendency to take an aggressive approach at the plate has worked for and against him, and it's something he's devoted to improving in fall league, as he confirmed last week when he spoke to this blog. Fowler, an outfielder sometimes used as a designated hitter, was drafted in the 18th round by the New York Yankees in 2013. He played just 30 games that season, when he was assigned to the Gulf Coast League, getting a taste of professional baseball as a high school draftee. The Yankees have to like the football-like build of Fowler, as well as his bat speed. With more reps, he could turn that aggressive approach could lead to his development into a high-average hitter.

He addressed a number of issues and here's what he had to say:

Flying Low: "I have always been the guy under the radar and it gives me motivation to try and prove myself to everyone by playing harder"

His Strengths: "My speed is big in my game...to put the ball in play and let things happen. I could improve in every part of my game, not being so aggressive at the plate and learning the strike zone and getting better jumps on the bases and in the outfield."

Weaknesses, Improvements: "My aggressiveness has hurt me a little but for the most part I have been pretty comfortable at the plate and not being over matched by pitching. But by getting a lot of at bats under my belt I am starting to see progress in learning the strike zone."

Fall League Focus: "Getting more at bats, constantly working on learning the strike zone and staying on my legs more to get more power behind the ball and in the field to get quicker jumps."

Related articles

Peter O'Brien Makes Mark in DBacks System, Ranked 8th by BA

2014 Draft Update: Rays 20th Rounder Kyle McKenzie Talks Timing And Adapting

Yankees Top-Pick Jacob Lindgren Embracing Big Opportunity

Arizona Fall League Update: Detroit Tigers Zac Reininger Working on Change

Fall League Update: Flashback with MarinersTaijuan Walker, Mets Rob Whalen On the Clock Experiment

Top Red Sox Prospect Travis Shaw Prepared To Prove More With Big League Invite

Phillies Prospect Matt Imhof Has Best Start of Season, Adjusts to High-A

Matt Imhof didn't need much more than his fastball to dominate Lakeland's lineup Thursday.

The lefty worked his fastball without feeling the need to mix in much secondary stuff past the 1st inning; through 6 innings, he allowed just 3 hits, walked 2, and struck out a season high 7 batters.

"The key thing was establishing fastball away," Imhof said. "I also had a better mindset than the last couple of starts."

He's recovered from a bicep strain that set him back. He was placed on the DL in April, and although there were concerns about his development, Clearwater manager Greg Legg sees vast improvement, particularly in that last start.

"He's normally a fastball/changeup/Slider pitcher. Last night it was more fastballs," Legg said. "He's working on command, and did a good job with it Thursday. He's come along. This is his first full season this year, and it's been a bit of a process. He's trusting his fastball. There were arm issues earlier this year, but he's feeling better now. He's starting to work on his two-seamer. But he didn't need the changeup the other night. He commanded the fastball to both sides of the plate."

The Phillies selected Imhof in the 2nd round of the 2014 June MLB Draft out of Cal Poly, and he finished his final collegiate season going 99 innings, striking out 124, good for 6th most in NCAA Division 1.

In his first professional season, he saw time at three levels, pitching a combined 42 innings, striking out 40, and walking just 11 batters through 11 starts. While he seemed to make the transition to pro ball rather smoothly, he was getting acclimated to all the new expectations.

"I was getting used to a new environment. It takes me a little while to get comfortable with the catchers and teammates. The biggest challenge for me was getting used to a five man rotation. I was only in the New York Penn League a few weeks but it helped get my arm ready for game day," said Imhof.

Having had a solid first year professionally, experiencing struggles this year was difficult. At times, he lost his way.

"Yeah, you try not to think about it. But after each outing, you're looking at things, and it's frustrating for sure. You do stuff you wouldn't normally do. You try to throw harder. You try this and that. And you kind of lose confidence in your stuff. That's where I was last month. But I had talks with pitching coordinator Rafael chaves, and out pitching coach Steve Shrenk. And got in a good mindset and did what I needed to do."

After just two years, Imhof has been through a great deal that's tested him mentally and physically. But as the physical has come along, the mental side of his game has improved the most, according to him.

"The biggest thing I've learned is how to have success. I had that in college, and last year. This year was harder. I had to re-learn things I thought I had down. Now I'm sticking with what I know. Whether it's catch-play, workouts, or bullpens. Once I figured out what I need to be successful, began to build off it each time. I'm stronger than I was in spring training. And if you talk to anyone with the Phillies, they'd tell you I'm one hundred percent better than I was in spring training. I didn't come in quite prepared like I needed to be, and now I'm ready for success."

You can follow him on Twitter @Matt_ImHOF48

Related articles

Yankees Didi Gregorious Said the Thing He Needed to Say

EXCLUSIVE: Free Chapter 'Scouts are Scouts, We Aren't' from 'Farm Life: Covering Minor League Baseball in the Digital Age'

Heels Watch: Cardinals 2nd Round Pick Bryce Denton, Somerset Patriots in 'Social Media Spotlight'

Big Performer - Caleb Smith's seven strikeouts for the Trenton Thunder Thursday night set a season high for the lefty. He scattered 3 runs on 6 hits over six innings of work, and earned the win. In his last outing, he'd earned the win after pitching six innings that time as well, but did not allow a run. He gave up 4 hits, striking out 4. That marked his 2nd shutout performance in June.

Social Media spotlight:

The Somerset Patriots tweeted a photo of a history-making night. the team set a single-half record with 49 wins. In the process, they clinched a playoff berth by winning the first-half Liberty Division title. Matt Zielinski earned the win, allowing 2 runs through six innings. You can follow him on Twitter @mat_e_z & the Somerset Patriots @SOMPatriots.

Really loved this tweet from St. Louis Cardinals 2015 #1 draft pick, OF Nick Plummer" @nplum11: To the boy who didn't get my autograph today after the game: come tmro and I'll give you some gear. My mom will remember who you are."

OF Joe Mcarthy signed with the Tampa Bay Rays (who drafted him in the 5th round) and tweeted the announcement (see below). We're seeing more and more of this. Players report their own news and share the emotional moments that only they can tell. You can follow him on Twitter @Mojo_JoeJoe31

Similarly, Bryce Denton tweeted "'Got my first professional hit, run, walk, RBI, and win!! #CardinalNation" The St. Louis Cardinals 2nd round pick in this year's June MLB Draft captured the purity of a powerful moment. As reporters, we could've tweeted those numbers, and it wouldn't have that same impact. Follow him on Twitter @brycedenton25

GCL Braves Opening Day: Chat with Jaret Hellinger, Plus Notes on Bradley Keller

The Gulf Coast League opened its season on June 22nd, and, as always, there was a mixture of rehabbing players combined with recent draftees.

The GCL Yankees began their 2015 schedule on the road against the Braves affiliate, winning the matchup 5-2, on what was a 104 degree day. For any of those guys not used to playing in that kind of weather, they sure got a taste.

Braves manager Robinson Cancel spoke post-game about some of the guys who got in the game that day.

On starting pitcher Luis Gamez: He threw the ball really well. He got into trouble a little but, he got out of it. He was drafted last year, and this is his second time in GCL . He’s just nineteen-years-old.

On 2015 Braves Draftees: [Lucas] Herbert [2nd round, 54th overall] caught the ball really well. Dalton [Geekie, 22nd round] threw the ball good. He was able to throw the breaking ball for strikes.

On his First Year Managing in the GCL: I was in Danville last year in [Appalachian] League. I have to be patient with these kids. They’re a work in progress. We need to get them in a better routine and in better habits every day.

You can follow Lucas Herbert on Twitter @lucasherbert_ and Dalton Geekie @DaltonGeekie.

Jaret Hellinger ‘Excited’ to Play for Favorite Childhood Team

On the night of the June MLB Draft, McDonough, Georgia native Jaret Hellinger heard something he wasn’t expecting.

In the 20th round, the righty hurler was selected by the Atlanta Braves, a team that he hadn’t even realize was in play. The Boston Red Sox, Texas Rangers, and Arizona Diamondbacks all expressed interest. But the Braves, they came out of nowhere in the final hours.

“Those are who were I was really expecting. Oh yeah…big surprise,” Hellinger said Monday.

The dream of playing professionally is one huge matter, but playing for the team they rooted for brings another level of emotion to the experience, according to Hellinger.

“Since I was four years old, I’ve been a Braves fan at heart. It was always a dream. So when the option came, I just asked myself ‘When else am I going to get this opportunity?’ “ All my friends are Braves fans. This makes it even more exciting.”

As a senior pitcher for Ola High School, it was reported that he topped out at 93 on the radar. He finished that season with 50 strikeouts under his belt. He needed to make that kind of strong impression heading into the draft, having gone through elbow tendinitis. He missed a month of valuable work. Ultimately, Atlanta saw something in a guy who hadn’t been a pitcher all that long.

“I was a three-sport athlete. Then in the 10th grade, I started pitching. I was a 6-2 lefty, and I realized I should probably try and pitch. But I was young. So I just kept working and working and trying to gain weight,” said Hellinger.

Hellinger said he’s working on strengthening his hips and continuing to gain weight. At eighteen, he projects to fill out his frame more in the next couple of years.

Even as he’s focusing on the work ahead, the boyhood dream still lingers a little.
“It’s amazing, because two days before the draft, I was at the Braves game watching them play.”

Follow Jaret Hellinger on Twitter @JaretHellinger

Report on Bradley Keller:

Another lifelong Braves fan, Bradley Keller, was drafted in the 15th round out of Crest High (Shelby, North Carolina) and reported to the GCL to start his career.
He was in the outfield, a position he reportedly feels is his most natural. He finished 2015 as the South Mountain Conference Player of the Year and had been committed to Western Carolina University.

The 6-1 195 pounder showed some pop at the plate, and showcased his speed on the bases. He stood out on that squad, doing little things that drew your eyes to him. Early in the game he hit the first pitch toward center for a single, exhibiting a smooth swing and quick bat. His speed getting over there was a clear strength and he showed a ton of hustle as the ball dropped in for a hit. When he advanced to second he did so with a mix of grit and smarts, getting under the tag in time. He later scored a run.

You can follow Bradley Keller on Twitter @keller_bradley

Look for continued GCL Braves coverage, and expanded GCL coverage, here and on Minor League Ball in the next week.

MLB Draft: Blue Jays 16th Round Pick Christian Williams Discusses Anxiety of Draft, Signing Decision

In the midst of the thousands of tweets about this week’s MLB Draft, one stood out for its poignancy.

“There’s no pain that amounts to the pain you feel when someone else’s name is called in the spot a team tells you they’re going to pick you,” tweeted Christian Williams, on the second day of the draft.

While many players mostly keep things light on social media as the draft unfolds, Williams spoke genuinely from his heart, unafraid to share the feelings of anxiety and hurt that can arise. Baseball is a business, and the draft, with all it’s emotional highs, is filled with harsh realities.

Williams eventually heard his name in the 16th round, when the Blue Jays selected the Gulf Coast League Community College alum. He’s committed to North Carolina State.

There was a lot of action around him leading up to draft day, but there seemed to be a lack of clarity.

“Leading up to it there was seven or eight teams that were serious about taking me. The morning of the second day of the draft the Twins told me that they were going to take me in the 5th round, but once it got there they ended up drafting someone else, “ said Williams.

The tweet about not hearing his name was from pure, raw uncertainty. And not just about which team would actually draft him.

“I tweeted that because I was told I was going to be a 5th round pick. I started worrying a lot after my name didn't get called. I wasn't sure I was going to be drafted.”

The Vero Beach native finally laid that worry to rest, and left what should be his final college season behind.

“I'm leaning more toward signing,” he confirmed.

In 37 games for GCL CC, the third baseman hit .398 with 32 RBI, 3 HR, and 26 runs scored.
When reflecting on that season, he observed how he’d grown as a player that put him in a good position heading into the draft.

“Kind of getting to know what the pitchers throw in certain situations; also, just attacking mistakes when they made them. I think just maturing as a hitter.”

You can follow Christian on Twitter @Chris_w10

Related articles

Yankees Didi Gregorious Said the Thing He Needed to Say

EXCLUSIVE: Free Chapter 'Scouts are Scouts, We Aren't' from 'Farm Life: Covering Minor League Baseball in the Digital Age'

Exclusive Excerpts on Access, Personal Stories from 'Farm Life: Covering Minor League Baseball in the Digital Age'

Mets Prospect L.J. Mazzilli Faces Consequences For 2nd Positive Drug Test

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) — The Mets’ L.J. Mazzilli, a son of former major league All-Star and manager Lee Mazzilli, was suspended for 50 games Tuesday under baseball’s minor league drug program following a second positive drug test.

L.J. Mazzilli, on the roster of the Mets’ Class A team at St. Lucie of the Florida State League, will serve the penalty at the start of next season, the commissioner’s office said Tuesday. The substance was described as a drug of abuse but not specified.

“Unfortunately in life, you cannot go back on a bad decision that was made, and in my case, one that I very much regret,” L.J. Mazzilli said in a statement released by the Mets. “After everything my loved ones, supporters and the N.Y. Mets have given me, especially an opportunity to chase my childhood dream, I couldn’t be more ashamed and sorry. I am fully ready to own up to my mistake and accept the repercussions from Major League Baseball.”

via newyork.cbslocal.com

The headline goes "L.J. Mazzilli son of Lee suspended for 50 games", and the photo with the story is not of the young player, but of his father. That should give some idea of what it's like being the son of a former MLB player, particularly one that played for the same team and was so well known. His father isn't a footnote, but the lead, even now. To an extent, that's understandable. It's also a unique form of pressure, adding to an already high-pressure situation.

However, when the younger Mazzilli made his professional debut in the New York Penn League, after the Mets drafted him in the 9th round of the MLB Draft out of the University of Connecticut, followed by fanfare of a press conference at the big club's stadium post-draft, he buckled down. He also never shied away from the incessant questions about his father. He was honored to talk about him and patient with the constant curiosity.

He spent 2014 splitting time between three levels, finishing the season hitting .301/.361/.440 through 131 games.

Mazzilli Jr.'s work ethic and professionalism are well-known to anyone that covered him or knows him personally. And in his post-suspension statement he talked about being "ashamed" and "responsible."

He spoke for a story on this blog earlier this year about needing to rediscover his focus, eliminating things that distressed or distracted him, sounding like a young guy just trying to find his way. This seems like more of the same.

According to reports, he was expected to open the 2015 season with Double-A Binghamton. Instead, he'll begin with a 50-game suspension. When he finally gets back on the field, he'll need to play himself back to where he'd progressed to last season. At 24, this could be a mere blip in a promising career.

Related articles

New Lawsuit Filed By Minor League Players Against MLB "Cartel"

Twitter Reacts To MiLB VP's Stance To 'Man The Battle Stations' In Response To Lawsuit

MiLB VP Uses Shaming Tone to Address Minor League Player's Lawsuit